✨Stop Doing the Wrong Things (Even if You’re Great at Them) 🚫

“There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.” – Peter Drucker

There is nothing more dangerous than being brilliant at what should never be done. Before you step into executive leadership, mastering strategic prioritization is a must.

I learned this firsthand during my 33 years in the FBI. In high-stakes environments, doing the wrong thing fast can be just as damaging as doing nothing at all. Precision. Purpose. Discipline. Those were non-negotiables.

Two of the best teachers I had in learning what not to do were two members of my close knit teams: Alicia and Val. They had an uncanny ability to spot inefficiencies I was too deep in the weeds to see—gently (and sometimes not so gently!) steering me away from tasks that didn’t require my time or energy. They protected my calendar like it was classified, asked the hard “Do we really need to do this?” questions, and helped me stay focused on mission-critical priorities. Their strategic mindset and candid partnership made me a sharper, more intentional leader every single day.

Here are 3 ways to build that muscle early:

1️⃣ Ask “Why?” Before “How?”

If you’re solving the wrong problem, it doesn’t matter how well you solve it. Make sure every task ladders up to a larger goal. 🎯

2️⃣ Audit your calendar weekly.

If it’s not adding value, delegate, defer, or delete it. Leaders lead through focus, not busyness. 🗓️🧠

3️⃣ Learn to say no with purpose.

Your “yes” is only powerful when it’s protected. Saying no clears the way for what truly matters. ✋✅

Executives aren’t just decision-makers—they’re discipline shapers. And that starts long before the corner office. 💼✨

Action Item: What is one thing you can stop doing that would make you more effective?

#LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveMindset #Efficiency #FutureLeaders